EU Environment and Energy Ministers must back strong climate ambition ahead of the March European Council

Posted on 28 February 2014

A recent WWF’s report entitled “Putting the EU on track for 100% renewable energy” shows that by 2030, the EU could use at least 38% less energy compared to a business as usual projection and generate more than 40% of its energy from renewable sources.

On 3 March, EU Environment Ministers will meet in Brussels, followed by Energy Ministers on 4 March, to debate the recent Commission white paper on a framework for climate and energy policy for 2020-2030.

The Greek presidency will report the March 3&4 debates to the President of the European Council to inform the scope and direction climate and energy issues discussed in the European summit of 20-21 March 2014.

For WWF, the European Commission outline of EU 2030 climate and energy policies presented on 22 January is too weak. By suggesting a greenhouse gas emissions target out of line with climate science (40% below 1990 levels), a low renewable energy target (27%) with no legal requirements on member states, and without an energy savings target, the Commission appears to be pulling the plug on efforts to modernise Europe’s energy systems.

Quotes from Jason Anderson, Head of EU Climate and Energy Policy at WWF European Policy Office:

“The EU Environment and Energy Ministers need to understand that the only way forward is to follow the European Parliament’s call for three binding climate and energy targets for 2030 and they need to deliver this message to the European Council.

Member State governments must show the political leadership needed to inspire Europe towards an industrial and economic revolution that will provide for both people and the planet.”

A recent WWF’s report entitled “Putting the EU on track for 100% renewable energy” shows that by 2030, the EU could use at least 38% less energy compared to a business as usual projection and generate more than 40% of its energy from renewable sources.